NEW DELHI: The government is mulling over the feasibility of setting up atomic energy plants in states including Himachal Pradesh, Union minister Jitendra Singh today said.

The minister's remarks assumed significance as several state governments had expressed reservations about the nuclear power projects.

The minister was interacting with some of the country's top nuclear scientists during his visit to the prototype fast breeder reactor at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, according to a statement.

Singh, who is also the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), Atomic Energy and Space, reiterated that India's nuclear programme has a huge social relevance and is specifically meant for peaceful purposes.

The minister reiterated the Narendra Modi government's commitment to encourage scientific activities in all spheres, and referred to "important" decisions regarding Uranium and exchange of technical know-how taken during the Prime Minister's visits to different countries.